Dehydrater.



c. ROBINSON.

.DEHYDRATER.

AP PLICATION men AUG.I6. 1912.

Patented Nov. 7, 1916.

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DEHYDRATER.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.16.I9$2.

Patented Nov. 7, 1916.

my @w c. ROBINSON.

DEHYDRATER.

APPLICATION man AUG.16. 1912.

abbot/1 mg Patented Nov. 7, 1916.

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ERS m. PH

c. ROBINSON.

DEHYDRATER.

APPLICATION HLED AUG.16. I912.

Patented Nov. 7, 1916.

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C. ROBINSON.

DEHYDRATER.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.16.1912.

Patented Nov. 7, 1916.

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CYRUS ROBINSON, OF MOUNT VERNON, NEEV .YORK, ASSIGNOR TO METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING & PROCESS CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

' DEHYDRATER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 7, 1916.

To all whom it may concern Be 1t known that I. CYRUS ROBINSON, a

subject of the King ofGreat Britain, re-

siding at Mount Vernomin the county of e'stchester and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Dehydraters of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to improvements in filtering or dehydrating machines of the type especially adapted for use in separat ing the moisture from ore pulp during the processes ofeXtracting the metallic values from ore by means of solvent such as potassiumcyanid: i

The invention relates more particularly to that class of machines in which a rotating drum or equivalent structure is used for supporting'a filtering medium and in which the filtering mediumis subjected to suction and preferably also to air pressure.

The principal object of my present invention is to provide an improved device for feeding ore pulp to the rotating drum, a machine embodying my improvements being especially adapted for the handling of pulp containing quantities ofvery coarse material and also quantities of very fine material.

With earlier machines it has been customary to provide a large tank into which the pulp to be treated is fed and to move filtering elements through the pulpythus withdrawing the moisture and causing the solid matter to accumulate in layers or cakes on the filtering medium. But when the pulp contains quantities of relatively coarse material, there is a decided tendency for this coarse material to settle to the bottom of the tank and there accumulate.

By my present invention I have provided means for feeding the fresh pulp directly to the filtering drum at a point near the top so that there is an immediate filteringaction which causes all of the solid matter to adhere to the filtering medium. After the cake or layer of solid material has been formed on the surface of the drum it may be -moved by the continuedrotation of the drum into and through a body of fresh water weaksolation which is drawn through it by suction. After passing through the Wash water or Weak solution the solid matter is removed from the drum.

In addition to providing means for feeding pulp to the drum near the top thereof, one of the objectsof my invention is to provide a feeding mechanism having numerous improved structural features and adapted to feed the pulp regularly and positively and to evenly distribute it over the surface of the drum.

A further object is to provide an improved means for removing the solid matter from the drum after the completion of dehydration and washing.

Further objects will be apparent from the following specification and claims.

In the drawings I have shown my improvements in connection with a mechanism similar to that described in'my co-pending application for dehydraters, Serial No. 594.704, filed November 29, 1910.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation taken along the line 11 of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a view showing one 'end of the machine. Fig. 3 is a plan view. Fig. 4: is an enlarged fragmentary View partly in section showing the end of the machine opposite to that shown in Fig; 2. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 55 of Fig. l. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 6 6 of Fig. '5. Fig. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of one end of the feeding mechanism. Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of'Fig. 7 Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through the scrubbing roller. Fig. 10 is a detail view of one of the bearings and bearing brackets for the scrubbing roller. Fig. 11 is a detail sectional View taken along the line 1l--1l of Fig. 10.

Referring to the drawings, 1 represents as a Whole a vat or tank within which the dehydrating drum is mounted. The lower part of the tank may advantageously be constructed of concrete as indicated in the drawings and the upper part may advantageously be formed of sheet metal Breinforced at the top withan angle iron at. Thetank is shown cylindrical in form though it will be understood that this particular shape is not essential.

'5' represents as a whole a hollow shaft which extends horizontally through the center of the upper part of the tank 1. The

shaft is mounted in bearings 6, 6, which may, if desired, be arranged to engage with it only at the lower side as indicated in the drawings. Stuffing boxes 7 7 are provided to prevent leakage of the solution or pulp at the points where the shaft extends through the tank walls. A suitable mechanism is provided for rotating the shaft and the parts attached to it, which will be fully, de-

scribed hereinafter. This rotating mecha 'nism for the shaft may conveniently be aworm wheel 8 and a wor1n9 mounted upon a shaft 10 which is 'operatively connected to any desired source of power. The shaft 5 is preferably made in three sections, the end sections 11, 11 being necessarily hol low and 'the central section 12 being also preferably hollow to reduce the weight. Each of the tubular end shaft sections is preferably tapered toward its outer end.

The inner end is provided with an enlargement or hub 13 having its peripherycom posed of a number of small fiat faces 13, 13,

nine such faces being shown in the drawing. A circular aperture 14 1s PIOVlClQCl. 1n eac of the faces near its center, the aperture "boxes 19, 19 a'reusedto insure proper communication of the pipes with the interiors of the shaft sections without leakage. One of the pipes, as for instance 17, is connected to i a suitable device for producing a partial vacuum, and the other pipe, as for instance 18, is connected to a suitable device for supplying air or other gas under pressure. The purposes of thesesuction and air supply pipes will be later fully set forth.

A number of hollowspokes 20, 20 are provided. In the drawings nine such spokes,

are indicated as connected with each of the hollow hubs 13,'the inner end of each spoke being fastened to one of the faces13 of the hub, with the passage through the spoke in registerwith the corresponding aperture 14."

These spokes may advantageously be formed of sections of piping to the ends of which are secured flanges of standard form. At

the outer ends of the spokes of each set there is secured an annular, tubular ring or comr bined conduit and frame 21., This is preferably formed of cast iron in sections 22, 22,

as many sections being provided as there are 1 spokes. The ends of the adjacent sections may be provided with flanges through which pass bolts for connecting the sections together. Each section is provided with a hollow flanged boss 23, which is'connec'ted with the outer end of a spoke and which serves to establish communication between the interior of the spoke and the interior of the section. It will be noted that the sections connectwith each other and thus free and uninterrupted communication is provided not 7 only between all parts of the conduit or frame 21, but also, throughthe spokes 20, between the conduit and the interior of the corresponding shaft section 11. Each of the conduit or frame sections 22 is provided with'a number of radlally inward proyecting bosses 2 1, 24. In the drawings five such constructions of all of these bosses and of bosses are shown for each section. As the r the parts connected therewith are similar,;a"

detail'description of one of themwill be sufficient. Y I

Referring more particularly to Figs. 5 and 6, it will be observed that a tapering aperture 25 is provided which extends transverselyofthe conduit section through the boss '24. Passageways 26 are provided through'each boss to the aperture 25, one of these passageways communicating with the interior of the conduit and the other. with the exterior at the periphery. Rotatably mounted. within the'aperture 25 is a correspondingly tapered valve plug orspigot28,

having a diametrical passage 29. The spigot 7 may beheld in place by a washer 3'0 and a nut 31, engaging "its threaded end. The other end of the spigot is provided with a 2 star wheel 32 having four arms. The pur; pose and function of the star wheel will'be hereinafter fully set forth. '33 represents as a whole one ofthe filtering sections or pans which are secured to theframes 21, 21, and which, taken together, form a continuous drum or cylinder. As many of these 7 sectionsare provided as thereare bosses 2 1 and spigots28, in this case there being forty-five sections in all. As these filteringsections or ficient. Each filter section has a framework preferably formed of wood and comprising 1 two or more longitudinal side bars 34, 31

and cross bars 35, 36and 37, the bars37 7 being located to engage the frames or conduits 21, 21. The end crossgbars 85, are provided with outstanding flanges 35, 35 7 The framework which'has been described is covered betweentheflanges 35?, 35? with a rolled metal sheetAO vhichmay for they sake of convenience be made in twoparts" connected by a butt strap 11, as shownin Fig. 5. Theedgesof the'sheet AOJare bent pans are of similar construction, a particular description of OIle'Oftl16l11'W1ll-be suf- CAD in place on the framework tney inward to engage the edges of the bars 34 and the cross blocks. Outside of the sheet (t is a second sheet of metal 42 which is given a series of longitudinal corrugations a8, 4.3 and which is also bent inward to contact with the inward bent edges of the sheet 40. T he sheet 42 may also be in two parts connected by a butt strap 42. The sheets ll) and 4-2 may be secured in place by means of screws 42*, at the bottoms of the corrugations, and which extend into the blocks. If desired their inward bent edges may be riveted together;

4L4 represents a sheet of canvas which is stretched over the corrugations 43 and the edges of which are carried downward and inward and secured by nails or tacks to the bottoms of the bars 34, 34. It will be observed that by means of this construction the canvas is supported along a series of separated parallel lines. In this way there are formed beneath the canvas and between the adjacent corrugations longitudinal passageways i5, 45 which extend the entire length of the drum. Each of the cross blocks 3?, 37 is provided with a groove 46 which extends transversely of the filter pan or section. An opening at? establishes communication between the groove and the opening 27 leading from or to one of the spigots 28. Apertures i8, 48 are provided in the metal sheets i0 and 42 at the bottoms of the corrugations and establish communication be tween the groove 46 and the grooves or passageways i5, In this way. therefore unbroken communication is established whe the spigots are open, between the conduit 21 and the grooves. or passageways s5, 45. Vfhcn all of the ii ter pans or sections are may be secured. together by means of bolts 49., 49, eX tending transversely through each pair of adjacent bars 34,

Suitably mounted preferably upon the top of the sheet metal part of the tank are four parallel horizontal I-beams 51. 51 and 52, 52, two being mounted at one end of the drum, and two at the other end. Mounted upon the I-l36fi111$ 51'and 52 at each end of the drum are other preferably smaller I-beams 53 which project inward within the drum outline. Secured to the ends of the beams 53 at each end of the drum are channel bars 54, and these are connected by means of vertical channel bars 55, 55 with bars or beams 56,56 which project horizontally from the concrete tank wall. Mounted on the bars 54:, are brackets 57 and 58 each having a curved slot con centric with the axis of the drum. In the slot of each bracket there is adjustably mounted a pin 59 which is adapted to on gagethe star wheels 32 of the valves as the drum is rotated to turn them and open or close the valves as the case may be. It will be notedtha t by moving the pin to difierent positions in the slot the point of opening or closing the valves may be changed.

As shown in the drawings, I preferably provide two brackets 57 located at opposite sides of the drum just below the cleaning roller, and three brackets 58, two located at the upper part of the drum on opposite sides and one located on the vacuum side in advance of the brackets 57 and at about the level of the drum axis. tion approaches the pins 59 of the brackets 58 at the upper partof the drum, it is connected with the pressure means but not with the suction means. The pins 59 turn the star wheels 33 to cut off the pressure and connect the vacuum. Each filter section remains in connection with the vacuum until its valve is closed by the pin 59 secured either to the lower bracket 58 or one of the higher brackets 57. This pin for the suction side of the machine may be located in either bracket, as desired. The pin 59 in the bracket 57 at the pressure side of the ma-' chine serves to operate the valve at that side and to successively connect the filter sections with the pressure-device. It will thus be seen that as the sections pass the scrubbing roller they are disconnected from the vacuum and pressure is being applied which serves to aid the removal of material. When the sections again pass the pins at the upper part of the drum the pressure is again out off and the vacuum is again connected.

Instead of following the mode of operation which has been outlined, it is frequently desirable to arrange for the conduction to a separate receptacle ofthe weak solution drawn through the material from the tank. l l hen this is desired two separate suction devices are provided and these are connected respectively with the pipes 17 and 18. The lower bracket 58 is removed from the position shown in Fig. 2, as is also one of the brackets 58 at the upper part of the drum (as for instance the one at the far side). These two brackets are put in position at the descending side of the drum as indicated by dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 2. It being understood that but one pin 59 is provided in the brackets 57 (preferably in the one at the far side) it will be seen that this pin will serve to close the valves at that side of the machine and thus leave the filter sections entirely without vacuum connections as they pass the scrubbing roller.

As the sections pass the pin 59 at the upper part of the drum, the valves at the near Side will be opened and the relatively strong solvent solution in the pulp deposited on the drum will be drawn out through the pipe 17. As the filter sections descend the connections are reversed at about the point where they enter the weak solution in the tank and the weak solution drawn through the pulp from the tank will pass out each filter secice through the pipe 18 at the opposite end of the drum. After emerging from the weak solution the filter sections are again out off from all vacuum connection in the manner which has been described.

At each end of the drum there is provided a suitable upstanding framework 60, this preferably comprising an inverted channel beam 61.. Upon each channel beam 61 are two parallel uprights 62, 62, each pair of uprights being connected by cross bars 63. Mounted upon the two cross bars are channel beams 64, 64, which are placed back to back with a narrow space between. Filler block 65 maybe provided at suitable intervals for connecting the beams together.

If desired diagonal braces 66 may be provided between the beams 61, 64 and the uprights 62, 62. Preferably the channel bars 6 64 are mounted directly above the center of the drum.

'Mounted below the channel beams 64, 6f is a horizontal trough A which is V-shaped in cross section, and which is formed in part by two channel beams 67, 67 placed at an acute angle to each other. The lower flanges of these beams 67, 67 are bolted or riveted at their ends to supports or connec tors 68, of which but one is shown in the drawings. Each connector is provided with two adjustable through tap bolts 69, the lower ends of which engage the upper surface of the corresponding channel beam 61. By means of these bolts 69, 69 the bracket 68 and the trough as a whole can be angularly adjusted either transversely or longi" tudinally as desired. Other bolts 7 O are provided between the channel beams 61 and V the brackets 68 for locking the brackets in place after they have been adjusted by means of the bolts 69.

71,71 are sheet metal strips extending longitudinally of the channel beams 67, 67. These strips are secured to the channel beams by means of suitable rivets which preferably pass through the channel beam webs. The lower edge parts of the straps are bent so as to lie parallel and to be slightly separated, as indicated in Fig. 8. These parallel lower edge parts are connected at their ends by means of filler blocks 73 of which one is shown in the drawings. Near each end of the trough formed by the channel beams 67 67 and the plates 71, 71 are end partitions 7 4. of whichone is indicated in Figs. 7 and 8. s f

75 is a feed saw'which comprises a long 7 sheet metal strip provided with closely adjacent triangular notches 76, 76 in its lower.

edge; This saw is mounted with its lower toothed part 1n the space between the lower parallel edge parts 72, 72 of'the plates 71,

71, the notches being to such depth that when the saw is in normal position they do not extend upward into the open space of the trough. The saw is supported by means of links 77,77 which are pivotally connected at their lower ends to the saw by means a of pins 78, 7 8 which extend through bracket plates 7 9, 79 riveted to the saw. The upper channel beams 64:, 64. It will be noted that by the construction which I havedescribed the saw can be vertically adjusted by means of the nuts 81. It will also be observed that the links 77 in addition to supporting the saw'and holding it horizontally permit a longitudinal swinging movement which incidentally raises the saw slightly.

A. swinging movement is given to the saw by means of the following mechanism: 83 is a shaft mounted in suitable bearings on the beams 63. This shaft is driven from the main shaft 10 by means of a chain 84 whichpasses over sprocket wheels on the shaft. Mounted on the shaft is an'eccentric 85 which engages with an eccentric rod 86, this rod being adjustablein length, The upper end of the rod 86 is pivotally connected with one arm 87 of a bell crankhaving a pivot at 88 on the frame structure which supports the trough. The other arm 89 of in a manner to be hereinafter described in detail. 7 V

' 92 represents asa whole a squeegee scrubbing roller for cleaning the surface of thei 7 drum after the filtering anddehydrating action has takenplacel This roller is'preferably mounted at the upper part of the drum. near thefeed trough A. The roller comprises aninner hollow core 93" towhichis secured a number of radial squeegeeplates 9et'prefe'rably formed of rubber. Theroller is supported by end bearings'95, 96. One of u I 7 ,7 these bearings 1s shown 1n detail 1n Fig. 10.

97 is a bracket provided ,with parallel guides 98. The bracket is bolted to the inclined part 99 of the channel beam 61. The web of the channel is either longitudinally slotted or is provided with a series of holes as indicated'in Fig." 3, so that the bracket as a whole can be adjusted along liness'ubstantially tangent1al to the periphery of the drum. Mounted between the guides 98 is a i 1 block 100 formed in two parts which arebolted together. Between these parts there is mounted an inner bearing block 101 which is also formed in two parts. The connection between the block 100 and the block 101 is a ball and socket one, the two blocks being thus relatively adjustable. The stud shafts 102 and 103 at the ends of the roller 92 are mounted in the bearing blocks 101, the bearings being positioned to hold the roller at an angle to the axis of the drum, as indicated in Fig. 3.

Extending through a suitable aperture in the upper part of the bracket 98 is a threaded rod 104. This rod carries at its lower end a collar 105 which is held against movement with respect to the block 100 by means of a cap 106. On the upper threaded end of the rod 104 is a hand wheel 107 and interposed between the hand wheel and the upper part of the bracket is a spring 108.

v A look nut 109 is preferably provided for securing the hand wheel 107 in adjusted position.

It will be noted that by means of the construction described the bearings for the roller shafts can be adjusted toward or away from the drum, and can be yieldingly held in adjusted position. It will also be noted that the bearing blocks 101 are automatically adjustable in the blocks 100 so that free regular adjustment of the blocks 100 is permitted and so that free tangential adjustment of the bearing supports as a whole is permitted. On the shaft 102 there is provided a belt pulley 110, and a drive belt passes over this pulley and a pulley 111 on the shaft 10. On each of the brackets 97 there is preferably provided a grooved roller 112 which is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. Resting upon the two rollers 112 is a pipe 113 which is connected with a suitable source from which a washing liquid, preferably fresh water, can be supplied. It will be noted that the rollers permit the brackets to be adjusted tangentially of the drum without causing any distortion of the pipe. and at the same time hold the pipe 1n its fixed relationship to the roller.

The pipe is provided with a series of apertures through which the wash water can be discharged downward onto the drum at points closely adjacent the roller. The material loosened from the drum by the roller is mixed with the water discharged from the pipe 113 and on account of the inclination of the roller is gradually worked to one side of the drum from which it is discharged into the trough or launder 114 by a means of which it can be conveyed away from the machine for further treatment if desired.

In operation material to be treated which, as stated may be a mixture of finely divided ore particles and a solvent solution containing dissolved values, is delivered to the saw serves to agitate the material in the trough and to insure its even distribution along the length of the trough. At the end of each oscillation of the saw it is suliiciently raised to permit minute sub-masses of material to be treated to flow out of the into the space between the saw teeth. Then as the saw moves backward toward its central position the material thus discharged from the trough is positively forced clownward face. By means of the nuts 81 at the upper ends of the links '77 the saw as a whole can be inclined to correspond with the inclination of the trough. And by means of these same nuts the saw can be raised or lowered slightly to change the rate of feed, this obviously depending upon the elevation of the points of the saw notches at the ends of the oscillations. After being deposited upon the drum surface, the material is subjected to a powerful suction dehydrating action, the valves 28 at the suction side of the machine being open and those at the pressure side being closed. The liquid constituent of the mixture is drawn inward through the canvas and through the various passageways of the drum and ultimately out through the suction pipe 1'7. The solid matter remains on the surface of the drum and forms a relatively solid cake. In the lower part of the tank 1 there is maintained a body .of wash liquid which may be either fresh water or a weak solvent solution. By the continued movement of the drum the cake or layer of solid material on its surface is moved into and through this wash liquid. The suction action being continued a quantity of the wash liquid is drawn inward through the layer of solid material on the drum surface and serves to thoroughly wash it and remove therefrom any of tne initial value-containing solution which was not returned by the first dehydrating action. The wash liquid in the tank can be maintained at whatever level is necessary to give the required washing action. After the cake or layer of material on the drum surface has emerged from the liquid, the valves 28 at the suction side of the machine are closed thus cutting off the suction and the valves 28 at the pressure side are opened thus permitting air under pressure to be admitted below the filtering medium. This air flows out through the medium and tends to loosen the material from it. As the layer of matrough. i

. by changing the angle of the roller and pipe.

terial moves upward it is engaged by the squeegee roller 92 the under side of which 7 is moving in the same direction as the upper pipe, is gradually worked along toward one end of the drum from which it is discharged into the trough or launder 11% by means of which it can be carried off. It will be noted that the rate of movement of the material longitudinally of the drum can be regulated The roller is resiliently held and can be adjusted toward or from the drum as thesqueegee plates wear away.

It will be noted that by the construction which I have described there is no opportunity for the coarse material of the pulp to separate from the fine material and there is positive assurance that all of the material will become attached to the drum surface and be properly washed.

hat I claim is:

1. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism for treating ore, the combination of a tank for wash liquid, an endless filtering medium moving through a path a portion of which is in the tank and a portion of which is outside of the tank and substantially horizontal, a pulp holder for sustaining a sup- P y zontal part of said path, means positively engaging with the pulp in said holder for moving it transversely across and distributing it uniformly over said part of said path and means for removing the pulp adhering to the filtering medium after it emerges from the tank.

' 2. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank for a wash liquid, a rotatable filtering drum mounted to rotate while partially submerged in said tank, means above the upper part of said drum for supplying pulp fluid thereto, means engaging with the pulp immediately before it is delivered to the drum and positively moving it transversely thereof to uniformly distribute it, and means adjacent to and relatively behind the ore supplying devices for removing from the surface of the drum the material adhering thereto after it emerges from the tank.

3. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism for treating ores, the combination of a tank for wash liquid, a filtering drum arranged to rotate while partially submerged in the tank, a receptacle for holding ore pulp immediately above the drum and hav of ore pulp immediately over the horiing devices for feeding'the pulp across the surface of the filter, means for adjusting the feeding devices to change the rate of feeding, means positively engaging with the pulp to distribute it uniformly across the drum, and a cleaning device for removing material from the surface of the filter after it has emerged from the wash tank.

4. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism for treating ore, the combination of a tank for wash liquid, a filtering drum arranged to rotate while partially submerged in the tank, a horizontal feed trough above the filtering drum and extending across its upper surface, means for supplying ore pulp to said trough, means engaging with the said pulp while in said trough and reciprocating transversely to the path of the drum for positively feeding the pulp to the drum, manually controllable means for adjusting the feeding device to changethe rate of feeding, and a device for removing material from the surface of the drum after it emerges from the tank. 7 p

5. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism for treating ore, the combination of a tank for wash liquid, a.filtering drum arranged to rotate while partiallyfsubmerged in the tank, a horizontal feed trough above and extending across the drum and having a narrow longitudinal slot in its bottom,

7 means for supplying ore pulpto the trough,

a toothed saw-like feeding device movably mounted in the said slot, and powerdevices for moving the feedingdevice vertically and horizontally to force material outward from the trough to the filtering medium. V

' 6. Ina dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering medium, a. movable support for the filtering medium arrangedto carry it along an end-V less path which'is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends through the tank bel ow the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontalfeed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part of its path, the feed trough having a narrow longitudinal slot throughout the length of its bottom, means for supplying ore pulp or other similar material to the trough, a

saw movably mounted in the said slot and provided with a series of notches in its lower edge, a power actuated mechanism for moving the said saw to bring the upper parts of the said notches alternately above and below the bottom of the trough whereby material is forced downward from the trough through the slot onto the filtering medium, manually V controllable means for adjusting the said power actuated mechanism to regulate the extent of the movement of the upper parts of the said notches away from the trough bottom, and a device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points beyond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid.

7. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering medium, a movable support for the filtering medium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which atother points extends through the tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part of its path, the feed trough having a narrow longitudinal slot throughout the length of its bottom, means for supplying ore pulp or other similar material to the trough, means for adjusting the feed trough to elevate one end with respect to the other and thereby cajuse the material in the trough to move along it, a saw movably mounted in the said slot and provided with a series of notches in its lower edge, a power actuated mechanism for moving the said saw' to bring the upper parts of the said notches alternately above and below the bottom of the trough whereby material is forced downward from the trough through the slot onto the filtering medium, means for adjusting the saw to bring it into parallelism with the feed trough, and a device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points beyond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid.

8. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering medium, a .movable support for the filtering medium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends through the tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part of its path, the feed trough having a narrow longitudinal slot throughout the length of its bottom, means for supplying ore pulp or other similar material to the trough, means for adjusting the feed trough to elevate one end with respect to the other, and thereby cause the material in the trough to move along it, a saw movably mounted in the said slot and provided with a series of notches in its lower edge, a power actuated mechanism for moving the said saw to bring the upper parts of the said notches alternately .above and below the bottom of the trough whereby material is forced downward from the trough through'the slot onto the filtering medium, manually controllable means part of its for adjusting the power actuated mechanism to regulate the extent of the movement of the upper parts of the said notches away from the trough bottom, means for adjusting the saw to bring it into parallelism with the feed trough, and a device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points beyond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid.

9. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering me dium, a movable support for the filtering medium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends through the tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a sub stantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal V )ath, the feed trough having a narrow longitudinal slot throughout the length of its bottom, means for supplying ore pulp or other similar material to thetrough, a saw movably mounted in the said slot and'provided with a series of notches in its lower edge, a series of normally vertical links pivotally connected at their lower ends to the saw a support towhich the links are pivotally connected at their upper ends, a power actuated mechanism for oscillating the links to move the saw forward and backward:and bring the upper parts of the said notches alternately above and below the bot tom of the trough whereby material is forced downward from the trough through the slot onto the filtering medium, and a device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points be-- yond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid.

10. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering medium, a movable support for the filteringmedium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends through the tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part of its path, the feed trough having a narrow longitudinal slot throughout the length of its bottom, means for supplying ore pulp or other similar material to the trough, a saw movably mounted in the said slot and provided with a series of notches in its lower edge, a

power actuated mechanism for moving the said saw to bring the upper parts of the said notches alternately above and below the bottom of the trough whereby material is forced downward from the trough through the slot onto the filtering medium, means for adjusting the saw with respect to the trough to bring it into or out of parallelism with respect thereto, and a device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points beyond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid.

11. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering medium, a movable support for the filtering medium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends throughthe tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part of its path, mechanism for successively opening and closing a series of openings in the bottom of the trough and extending from end to end thereof, means for supplying ore pulp or other similar material to the trough, and a device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points beyond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid.

12. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering medium, a movable support for the filtering medium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends through the tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part of its path, mechanism for successively opening and closing a series of openings in the bottom of the trough and extending from end to end thereof, means for regulating the said opening and closing mechanism to vary the maximum size of the openings, means for supplying ore pulp or similar material to the trough, and a device for'removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points beyond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid.

13. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filtering medium, a movable support for the filtering medium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends through the tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part of its path, mechanism for successively opening and closing a series of openings in the bota device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points bevond the part of the path which extends through the wash liquid. 7

14:. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain wash liquid, an endless filteringmedium, a movable support for the filtering medium arranged to carry it along an endless path which is at one point substantially horizontal and which at other points extends through the tank below the level of the wash liquid contained therein, a substantially horizontal feed trough above the filtering medium and extending entirely across it at the said substantially horizontal part'of its path, mechanism for successively opening and closing a series of openings in the bottom of the trough and extending fromend to end thereof and for positively pushing material from the trough out through the said openings, meansfor regulating the said opening and closing mechanism to vary the maximum size of the openings, means for supplying ore pulp or other similar material to the trough, and a device for removing material from the surface of the filtering medium at points beyond the part of the path which extends through the wash'liquid.

15. In a dehydrating and Washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain a wash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part Within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein, means for rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar material 7 the strips tormove with respect to the filters ingmedium to loosen material therefrom, and means for receiving the material loosened from the filtering medium by the roller. V

716, In a dehydrating and Washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted'to contain a Wash liquid, a rotatable drum, V

mounted in part within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein, means for rotating the drum, 7 a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar material in a manner to permit the liquid constituent thereof to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a layer on the medium, a cleaning device having a plurality of movable elements arranged to engage the filtering medium along lines extending from one end of the drum to the other, means for supporting the cleaning device above the drum at one side of the center, means for driving the cleaning device to cause the movable elements thereof to move toward the upper central part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium, and means for receiving from the drum the material loosened by the said cleaning device.

17. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain a wash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein, means for rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar ma terial in a manner to permit the liquid con stituent thereof to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a layer on the medium, a cleaning device having a plurality of movable elements arranged to engage the filtering medium along lines extending from one end of the drum to the other, means for supporting the cleaning device to cause the movable elements thereof to move toward the upper central part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium, means for delivering liquid to the drum at the side of the cleaning device which is toward the upper central part of the drum, and means for receiving from the drum the material loosened by the cleaning device and mixed with the liquid discharged from the said liquid supply means.

18. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain a wash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein, means for rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar material in a manner to permit the liquid constituent thereof to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a layer on the medium, a cleaning device having a plurality of movable elements arranged to engage the filtering medium along lines extending from one end of the drum to the other, means for supporting the cleaning device above the drum at one side of the center and at an angle to the drum axis, means for driving the cleaning device to cause the movable elements thereof to move toward the uppercentral part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium, means for supplying liquid tothe drum at the side of the cleaning device which is toward the upper central part of the drum and a receptacle adjacent the lower end of the cleaning device to receive the mixture of liquid and of solid matter loosened by the cleaningdevice as the said mixture is worked by the cleaning device toward one side of the drum.

19. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain a wash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein, means for rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, means connected with the filtering medium for maintaining a partial vacuum at its inner si le, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar material in a manner to permit the liquid constituent thereof to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a layer on the medium, a roller provided with a plurality of radial squeegee strips, means for supporting the roller above the drum at one side of the center and at an angle to the drum axis, the roller being in position for the squeegee strips thereof to engage the filtering medium at the surface or the drum, means for rotating the roller to move the lower side thereof toward the upper central part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium, and a receptacle adjacent the lower end of the roller for rcceiving the material loosened from the filtering medium by the roller and by it moved along to one side of the drum.

20. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain. a wash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part within the tank to be part! submerged in the liquid therein, menus for-rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, means connected with the filtering medium for maintaining a. partial vacuum at its inner side, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar material in a manner to permit the liquid constituent thereoii to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a layer on the medium, a roller provided with a plurality of radial squeegee strips, means for supporting the roller above the drum at one side of the center and at an angle to the drum axis, the roller being in position for the squeegee strips thereof to engage filtering medium at the surface of the drum, means for rotating the roller to move the lower side thereof toward the upper central part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium, a perforated pipe parallel and adjacent the roller at the side thereof toward the upper central part of the drum, means for supplying wash liquid to the pipe which serves to deliver it to the filtering medium above the roller, and a receptacle adjacent the lower end of the roller to receive the mixture of wash liquid and solid matter loosened by the roller as the said mixture is worked by the roller toward one side of the drum.

2L In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain a ash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein, means for rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, means con nected with the filtering medium for maintaining a partial vacuum at its inner side, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar material in a manner to permit the liquid constituent thereof to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a layer on the medium, a roller provided with a plurality of radial squeegee strips, means adjustable toward and away from the drum axis for resiliently supporting the roller above the drum at one side of the center and at an angle to the drum axis, the roller being in position for the squeegee strips thereof to engage filteringmcdium at the surface of the drum, means for rotating the roller to more the lower side thereof toward the upper central part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium, and a receptacle adjacent the lower end of the roller to receive the material loosened from the filtering medium by the roller and by it worked along to one side ofthe drum.

22. In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain a wash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein, means for rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, means connected with the filtering medium for maintaining a partial vacuum at its inner side, a device for feeding ore pulp or other similar material in a manner to permit the liquid constituent thereof to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a layer on the medium, a roller provided with a plu *ality of radial squeegee strips, movable means for supporting the roller above the drum at one side of the center and at any one of a plurality of angles relative to the drum axis, the roller being in position for the squee ee strips thereof to engage filtering medium at the surface of the drum, means for rotating the roller to move the lower side thereof toward the upper central part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium, anda receptacle adjacent the lower end of the roller for receiving the material loosened from the filtering medium by the roller and by it moved along to one side of the drum.

In a dehydrating and washing mechanism, the combination of a tank adapted to contain a wash liquid, a rotatable drum mounted in part within the tank to be partly submerged in the liquid therein,'means for rotating the drum, a filtering medium mounted on the drum periphery, means connected with the filtering medium for maintaining a partial vacuum at itsinner side, a device for feeding ore pulp or other simi lar mate-rial in a manner to permit the liquid constituent thereof to be drawn through the medium and the solid constituents to be collected in a. layer on the medium, a roller pro vided with a plurality of radial squeegee strips, movable means for supporting the roller above the drum at one side of the center and at any one of a plurality of angles relative to the drum axis, the roller being in position for the squeegee strips thereof to engage filtering medium at the surface of the drum, means for rotating the roller to move the lower sidethereof toward the upper central part of the drum to loosen material from the filtering medium,a perforated pipe parallel and adjacent the roller at the side thereof toward the upper central part of the drum, the pipe being mounted on the roller supports to move therewith, means for supplying wash liquid tothe pipe which serves to deliver it to the filtering medium above the roller, and a receptacle adjacent the lower end of the roller for receiving the mixture of solid matter loosened by the roller and the wash liquid as the said mixture is moved by the roller toward one side of the drum. In testimony whereof, I affix my signature, in presenceof two witnesses.

CYRUS ROBINSON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained. for five cents each, by addressing" the Commissioner of Patents.

Washington, D. G. 

